Health All accessing health services articles

helping you to plan your visit to Newcastle so you know where public and accessible toilets are available

Advocacy is where someone helps you to get your views and opinions heard. They can support you to access services if you are unable to do so by yourself.

is a life-long condition which affects a person’s ability to communicate or to do everyday things. This page has more information about local support organisations and groups in Newcastle.

This section gives you information on what to do before you go into hospital, which will hopefully help to prepare you for your visit.

The Message in a Bottle scheme helps you store your personal and medical information in your fridge door, so it can found quickly by emergency services. This simple idea could help to save your life.

Sign language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expressions and body language. Sign language is used mainly by deaf people and people with hearing difficulties.  Some television programmes have subtitles or text on screen which describes the spoken word and sounds taking place during a programme.

These are a great way to get involved in local activities. Here’s a handy list of community centres and hubs in Newcastle, so you can find out what’s happening near you.

In a life threatening or emergency situation dial 999 to contact the Fire, Police, Ambulance, or Coast Guard service.

Getting to hospital can be a worry for some people. This section gives details on how you can travel to and from the hospitals in Newcastle.

Read more about NHS services and how to use them, including translators

If you need some support at home with personal care such as bathing, dressing and making meals, there are organisations that may be able to help you.

You can raise any concerns that you have about health services. There is help to make a complaint

The healthcare provided by our National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is important to all of us. This page is about how to access a GP (or doctor’s) surgery, to make sure you get the healthcare you need.

Other useful and reliable online information services in Newcastle

There are a range of organisations that provide interpreting and translation services in Newcastle

The way the healthcare services are planned and purchased in Newcastle and the whole of England has changed. NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have now replaced the NHS Primary Care Trusts.

NHS and government information about Covid 19

A learning disability is a life-long condition. It affects a person’s ability to communicate or to do everyday things. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.

Medicines or medication are drugs used to treat, cure and prevent diseases and health conditions. Its important to know how to get medication, take it, safely store it and what to do if you have any medication issues.

When you reach the age of 18, Social Care services are usually provided by Adult services. You will start the move to Adult Social Care between the age of 16 and 18. This is known as the transition from Children’s to Adult Services. There is not a set age to move to Adults Social Care. Everybody is different. It will happen at the time that is right for you.

End of life care, is support for people who are close to the end of their life. This could be the last few months, or years of their lives. The care you are given helps you to live as well as possible and to die with dignity. It also includes support for family members.

The system for paying for care can be quite complicated. The amount you pay depends upon your circumstances.

is a legal document, which authorises one or more people to handle your finances, health and welfare. You can set up a lasting power of attorney for a limited time, or longer.

Find out more about your body, protection, screening, check ups, relationships and services available.

Social Prescribing is where you are prescribed activity or exercise to improve your physical and mental health. It may be used in place of medication or alongside treatment.

If you are seeking asylum in Newcastle there are a number of local services that can help with support and advice.

This article signposts you to support and help if you are on a low income.

The NHS provides a free telephone helpline, symptom checker and website for non life threatening health and medical advice.

Urgent Treatment centres are for patients who want fast and convenient access to healthcare advice, information and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.